Okamiden is a Nintendo DS game which combines battle elements and drawing puzzles with ancient Japanese folklore for an epic-feeling single-player experience that will immerse older kids and tweens.

In Okamiden, Japanese mythology and artistic action come to life as players "paint" their way through the adventure as a wolf pup named Chibiterasu, restoring color to the world.  The perfect game for Spring, players use the DS stylus to wield a celestial paintbrush to attack enemies, solve Zelda-like puzzles, paint helpful objects into life and perform feats that will change the world before players' eyes.

The game relies heavily on lots of text and story-telling, as well as an art style that is meant to evoke the feeling of ancient Japanese watercolor paintings.  The game is mostly controlled with the directional pad, and players have the option at the start of the game to receive extra assistance and guidance in knowing where to go and what to do.  We chose to receive the extra guidance, and it took nearly 15 minutes at the start at the game to go through all of the game’s backstory, history and guided control demos.  Much of this information as it appears throughout the game can also be skipped, but for players that are looking to immerse themselves in the world and story, these extended scenes really draw the player in.

Players in Okamiden assume the role of the adorable white puppy Chiberatsu, who they quickly learn has inherited divine powers which players will need to master.  From time to time, they will need to attack enemies in the game by using a combination of button presses.  The main puzzle-solving method is helping “Chibi” use something called a Celestial Brush, in which players press the top “L” and “R” buttons on the DS simulataneously, which freezes the screen, and allows players to trace objects to repair them, draw in objects in empty parts of the world.  As the game progresses, players will obtain more Celestial Brush powers which become useful at different parts of the game.

It’s important for players as they progress to remember to save their progress, which can only be done at certain points within the world.  The game encourages players to save often, as we do, in order to prevent having to play long stretches of the world over and over again.

Although it’s just a single player game and doesn’t offer any opportunities for playing together (other than potentially as an “over the shoulder” type game, but even that didn’t completely work for us), we still think Okamiden is a great family-friendly game which offers a unique glimpse and experience of ancient Japanese folklore and artwork.  The experience of playing in the ancient world, combined with the detailed backstory and the adorable main puppy character, are great for older kids and tweens looking for a DS game to become absorbed in, perhaps on something like a long road trip.

Okamiden is the spiritual successor of the groundbreaking and innovative Okami, which was applauded by critics and consumers, receiving multiple "Best Game of the Year" awards and declared as a game that is "so visually striking, so original and so well done." by the New York Times. (See the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/21/technology/21game.html). 

INFORMATION FROM COMPANY FACT SHEET:

Okamiden is a picturesque action adventure game for the Nintendo DS. Taking place a few months after the events of Okami, Okamiden will follow the adventures of Chibiterasu – a young sun god who is summoned to protect the land. Following in the footsteps of its parent Amaterasu, the sun-god-turned-wolf in Okami, Chibiterasu takes the form of an adorable wolf pup for the mission ahead. Chibiterasu will join forces with a rich cast of characters to fight off a new threat that has leeched the world of its vibrant color again. Beyond the battles, Chibiterasu and buddies will come to realize their inner potential and accept the kinship that comes with being the children of great heroes and gods.

Using the DS stylus, players will wield a celestial brush controlled by Chibiterasu.  This powerful tool can attack enemies, paint helpful objects and structures into existence and help Chibiterasu perform exceptional feats that will change the world before the player’s eyes. Chibiterasu’s partners in the game will have unique abilities of their own that help the player conquer puzzles and face an onslaught of perilous challenges. By blending vivid myth, artistic action and the innovative Nintendo DS, Okamiden has all the makings of a handheld classic. Okamiden takes the best elements of the Okami series and combines them with invigorating new features delivering an extraordinary adventure sure to please fans of the series and newcomers alike.

In development for the Nintendo DS, Okamiden will be available early 2011.

Features:

• Canvas and Brush: The touch screen and stylus of the Nintendo DS™ are the ideal tools to simulate Okamiden’s trademark celestial brush. The stylus brushstrokes are pressure sensitive helping to accurately depict the look and feel of Sumi-e artwork – a graceful watercolor art.

• Partner-Up: As you encounter various characters throughout the game players can join forces with certain new characters, such as Kuni, a young swordsman and Nanami, a blue-haired mermaid, each possessing unique abilities that will help Chibiterasu defeat enemies and conquer puzzles.

• Striking Visuals:  The beauty of the highly stylized Japanese calligraphy and scroll paintings are depicted in pixel-perfect handheld glory. 

• Dynamic Action: Employ brush techniques learned from various celestial deities and Power Slash, Bloom, and battle a diverse lineup of monsters and demons rooted in Japanese folklore. 

• Interactive Puzzles: Draw bridges into existence, transverse canyons, and connect winding paths through space by using the celestial brush and the abilities of Chibiterasu’s partners. 

• Ensemble Cast: The main character, Chibiterasu, is a youthful sun god that has taken the form of an adorable wolf pup. Chibiterasu partners up with an equally endearing cast of characters that aim to restore order to the land while learning lessons from majestic, playful deities. Many characters will be easily recognizable to fans of Okami™ while several are new to the series.

• Compelling Narrative: Okamiden tells an amazing story that is both morally impactful and fun. With a complex mix of themes like friendship, responsibility and love between parent and child, players are promised a memorable experience that will be appreciated for its depth, humor, and universal truths.